I received a copy of this book during my attendance at YallWest 2023, where I had the opportunity to meet the author and obtain a personalized edition. I would also like to express my gratitude to Sourcebooks Fire for providing the book.
Tana Fairchild’s fate has never been in question. Her life has been planned out since the moment she was born: she is to marry the governor’s son, Landon, and secure an unprecedented alliance between the witches of her island home and the mainlanders who see her very existence as a threat. Tana’s coven has appeased those who have feared their power for years by releasing most of their magic into the ocean during the full moon. But when Tana misses the midnight ritual—a fatal mistake—there is no one she can turn to for help…until she meets Wolfe. Wolfe claims he is from a coven that practices dark magic, making him one of the only people who can help her. But he refuses to let Tana’s power rush into the sea, and instead teaches her his forbidden magic. A magic that makes her feel powerful. Alive. As the sea grows more violent, her coven loses control of the currents, a danger that could destroy the alliance as well as her island. Tana will have to choose between love and duty, between loyalty to her people and loyalty to her heart. Marrying Landon would secure peace for her coven but losing Wolfe and his wild magic could cost her everything else.
What initially attracted me to the book was not only the romantic elements but also the intriguing depiction of the witchy island. I appreciated the conflict faced by the protagonist, Tana, as she navigated her arranged engagement to Landon, the son of the governor from the mainland, while also being drawn to the enigmatic Wolfe, a witch from a concealed coven on the island who engages in high magic. Following Wolfe’s introduction, I found myself favoring his character over Landon’s. While I harbor no negative feelings toward Landon, I believe that Wolfe elicited a more authentic version of Tana. It appeared as though her coven was striving to appease the mainlanders by downplaying the potency of their magic. Moreover, the character development was commendable, rendering them relatable and nuanced. I also found value in the supporting characters, including Tana’s parents, her close friend Ivy, as well as Wolfe’s father and sister.
This book represents an essential acquisition for individuals interested in the genre of romantasy, which combines elements of both fantasy and romance. It is particularly well-suited for readers who appreciate the journey of a heroine toward self-discovery and authenticity, contrasting with the expectations imposed by others. It is advisable to include this title on one’s reading list.
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